module specification

The Law of Contract I is a core module for the LL.B. courses and the BA in Law, which introduces students to the key principles of the Law of Contract, which is one of the foundation subjects of English Law, as identified by the professional legal bodies, the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board.

Students will study the principles of contractual formation and contents, including offer, acceptance, consideration, third party rights, terms and exemption clauses.

The aims of the module are as follows:

1. Students will acquire knowledge of the basic precepts of contractual formation and construction;

2. Students will develop their skills in finding, reading and understanding primary sources of law;

3. Students will develop their skills in finding, reading and understanding secondary sources of law;

4. Students will practise the practical and professional skills of legal research, legal analysis and legal writing.

N/A

1. The Creation and Nature of Contractual Obligations

LO1

The Phenomenon of Agreement
Offer
Acceptance
Intention to create legal relations
Consideration
Privity of contract
Capacity
Formalities

2. The Contents of a Contract

LO2

Terms
Representations
Exemption clauses

3. Drafting a Letter of Claim in relation to a claim in contract.

LO2 and LO3

Learning and Teaching Strategy

Weekly two-hour lecture and one-hour seminar. 

The lecture will be used for:

Dissemination of knowledge through an overview of each topic with detailed guidance on appropriate aspects;
An introduction to relevant academic literature;
Guidance on learning strategies;
Use of Weblearn and IT resources;
Whole group questions and discussion.

The seminar will be used for:

Development of skills necessary to attain the module learning outcomes through:
Written and oral questions/answers designed to reinforce fundamental rules/principles/cases;
A range of step by step writing exercises;
IT tasks such as research of cases and statutes
Problem-solving
Legal writing

Blended Learning

All learning materials, previous examination questions and sample Q/A’s will be on Weblearn for use in directed private study.

Student engagement will be encouraged in both lectures and seminars through weekly use of Weblearn for access to all of the above materials.

There will be required use of the professional legal databases, especially Westlaw and Lexis Library, for legal research

Opportunities for reflective learning/pdp

Each weekly seminar will contain space for students to reflect on what they have learnt in relation to the overall syllabus. There will be frequent feedback opportunities structured into the timetable and a range of sample answers posted onto Weblearn.

Students’ Study Responsibilities

The need for attendance, punctuality, preparation and engagement will be emphasised with particular reference to written and IT research, problem-solving, team-work, discussion, debate and critical awareness of the subject.

On successful completion of this module, the students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the basic elements of contract formation.

2. Demonstrate a knowledge of the contents of a standard contract.

3. Demonstrate the ability to write a formal letter of claim in relation to a breach of contract.

Indicative syllabus – for full details see section C in Module Booklet

Drafting a piece of legal advice and a letter of claim relating to a breach of contract. (1,500 words)

This specifically relates to all the learning outcomes for the course.

TBC